“Wacky Whimsical Toy Museum”
Is a sprawling eclectic, wacky ,whimsical art tribute to old by-gone tacky roadside attractions. A historical Gulf gas station/diner/store est. 1928 now a museum. Toyland has over 3500 toys and six running trains in an operating fantasy toy diorama. A man with a dream, Grandpa Oral Wallace bought an apple orchard and a two room house on 6 acres November 6, 1928. He started making apple cider and selling it at his new produce stand called "Shady Nock". Then he built an under- ground still hidden in the barn and open up an auto camp with small zoo. He was a musician, so he performed for the guest. In 1931 after hearing HWY 68 was going to be paved the house was added onto so there would be a room to rent. The wood that was left over from the house was used to build a small country store (14'x14') called Apple Valley. In this small space they had a small barbers chair where Oral would cut hair and a four seat diner where they served chicken dinners. March 24, 1939 Gulf gas was added. Store/gas station closed down when Oral died February 28, 1964. Grandma Myrtle Wallace went back to selling stuff on the produce stand until 1988. Then in 2005, a change blew in !
We are still there ! For some reason, some GPSs like to take you to the wrong place. We are one mile east of I24 exit 16 on US HWY 68 W. or about eight miles west of Purchase Parkway on US HWY 68 W.
Amazing stop and awesome people! Get ready for an hour long tour of punny art installations and a toy collection that will blow your mind! The couple responsible for this awesome roadside attraction, Keith Holt and Diane Karnes, are two of the nicest people you'll ever meet and their love of life and art is captivating. An absolute must visit if you're near the area!
We enjoyed this outdoor hillbilly folk art studio (and indoor toy collection)... For practicing his art for only about 8 years, I am impressed; especially with the kinetic sculpture and use of found objects. This is not a formal stop by any means... be prepared for a totally off the wall experience. My wife and I and two children (1 and 5) are happy we drove off the beaten path to check it out.
incredible off the wall humor in hillbilly style.. puns and whit in a visual form and the creator------ outstandingly appropriate for what is offered..entertainment to an extreme i am not sure i can wait to visit again..
So awesome! Thank you so much! The puns were fantastic. This place is a mix of pure genius, creativity, pop culture and dad jokes! We loved it
Google states they are closed but they are not. The owners were super nice. The guy is a bit of a talker but I loved the stories. It's definitely one of a kind stop. Must see if you are passing by the area
Wasn't sure what to expect when we stopped . The tour is about an hour but we didn't have time so they took us into the toy museum (which is unreal) and gave us a brief history of the place, then we roamed around through the trees looking at some of the craziest things we've ever seen. The lady who gives the tour is very knowledgeable and nice!
Hmm we stopped. This man has put a lot of effort into art sculptures made of junk and slight humor.
Pure genius. Worth the stop, trust me. Make sure you bring a good tip- they’ve earned it!
Holy shit.
Be the first to add a review to the Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland.
/-88.4832857,36.9800816,14/300x172@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1Ijoicm9hZHRyaXBwZXJzIiwiYSI6ImNsczF1Y3RwcTA0ZmgycHAwbngweHlmbDAifQ.G6RP_RvWmMx8yNQSHb3PGQ)
Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
Has RV parking changed? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
-
Outdoor Seating
Parking, Dining
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
- Trip Guide
The ultimate guide to Mammoth Cave National Park
- 10 Places
- Trip Guide
Pay Tribute and Reflect at These US Monuments and Memorials
- 14 Places
- Trip Guide
Gone But Not Forgotten: Former National Parks
- 7 Places
- Trip Guide
Ultimate Offbeat Guide to Chicago, Illinois
- 15 Places